Tombstones lie fallen, cracked, and broken. Memorial pillar stones are twisted, toppled or left teetering precariously in Waiau Cemetery. Photos / Kurt Bayer
Gravestones and memorial pillars have toppled in earthquake-battered Waiau's local cemetery.
Last Monday's giant magnitude-7.8 jolt tore through the tiny North Canterbury township, destroying houses and local amenities including its only pub, bowling club, Scouts den, swimming pool, kindergarten, and church, while tearing roads and farmland.
It also caused extensive damage at the Hurunui District Council-managed Waiau Cemetery.
Tombstones lie fallen, cracked, and broken. Memorial pillar stones are twisted, toppled or left teetering precariously in the ordinarily well-groomed graveyard on the outskirts of town.
"It's very sad to see," said one elderly visitor who did not wish to be named.
"They need to come and fix it up. I know there's been a lot of damage and there's a lot of suffering here but we can't forget about our dead."
Hurunui District Council today said it had been made aware of the damage.
"We have teams out doing business as usual work and they will take care of these things affected by the earthquakes as soon as possible," a spokeswoman said.
'He has disregarded our voice and continued with this divisive kaupapa.'